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[2017 Year in Review] Taking chances and finding unexpected gems


Lingerie Girls’ Generation

By @whoopeeyoo

I have never been good with trying new things. When I find what works for me, I stick to it, whether it be with my food, beer, or skincare products. And the same goes for my K-dramas. I have always preferred romantic comedies ever since I discovered them early on during my teen years, after consuming more than enough melodramatic and makjang K-dramas (and telenovelas!) to make me figuratively allergic to them. I have always, since then, enveloped myself in the comfort of rom-com shenanigans and happily-ever-afters. Of cohabitation hijinks, and cross-dressing nuns, and contract marriages, and banter, and I-hate-your-guts-no-not-really-I-actually-love-yous. Let’s be real, I was a drama snob. Operative word being “was.”

2017 got me trying out new-to-me genres and actors, and I have been so lucky that every single K-drama that I sampled that was outside of my comfort zone ended up surprising me in the best way possible—by being amazing.


Strongest Deliveryman

A few months ago, I talked about how Chief Kim got me curious how a workplace drama won over Korea, which became a turning point for me in being open to new genres that I had previously shied away from. I then tried and obsessed over Forest of Secrets, adding legal/action/thriller dramas to the list of genres I now watch. And thanks to my love for Chief Kim and all the dimple-loving Beanies, I sampled Strongest Deliveryman and never looked back, binging all available episodes at the time. What sounded like something boring on paper ended up as something giddy-making and something that woke up the underdog-lover in me. I adored everyone in Strongest Deliveryman, and while it was not a perfect show, I only have fond memories of it (dimples definitely included).

Not only did I end up venturing into dramas I would never have batted an eyelash at before, I also took chances on rookie actors and even actors whom I had long dismissed prior to 2017. I knew nobody in Lingerie Girls’ Generation except for Lee Jong-hyun as the guitarist of CNBLUE. I was ready to be disappointed in the acting and I had one foot out the door already, and yet everyone surprised me with their engaging portrayal of their characters. I understood and rooted for every single character in this show (except for that dictator of a father), and while that’s also in large part because of the tight and engrossing storytelling by the writer, each actor rose up to the challenge of portraying these teens experiencing their first loves with their hearts on their sleeves.


While You Were Sleeping

I was also glad that I gave Suzy a chance in While You Were Sleeping because she totally inhabited the nutty yet smart and righteous character that was Hong-joo. I didn’t exactly love While You Were Sleeping, but this newly begotten appreciation of Suzy is something I’m happy to have. I’m sure that my choice of giving chances to subpar actors will come to bite me somewhere down the line but if Suzy did it, surely these actors just need the right project and production team, right?

I initially had no plans to watch Buam-dong Revenge Club. Maybe because it obviously had no romance, and while I’ve finally diversified the genres I watch, I still prefer my rom-coms any day. Moreover, I’m also not interested in revenge thrillers or revenge melos. It didn’t help that the poster looked like three snooty, rich ajummas exacting revenge.


Buam-dong Revenge Club

How wrong was I? Not only were they not snooty, but it wasn’t a revenge thriller or a revenge melo. It was actually such a heartwarming found-family comedy-drama that managed to make me laugh out loud and cry almost every episode. I only tried the show because of the Beanies raving about it. I am always affected by populist views and you could say that everything that I’ve tried this year that was outside of my comfort zone was because of Beanie hype. And I am so grateful for all the Beanies who proclaimed their love for this show because I wouldn’t have experienced it for myself if they didn’t.

I’m so glad that when I did finally reach outside of my K-drama comfort zone, I was welcomed by shows that not only intrigued me but made me stay for the whole ride. On the other hand, I am afraid for the ever-growing dark circles under my eyes because now that I have fewer restrictions on which dramas I’ll watch, I can already feel all the dramas encroaching on my sleeping hours. But whatever. Bring it on, 2018 and K-drama gods. I’ll continue going out of my comfort zone if you keep on giving me dramas that surprise and move me in all the expected and unexpected ways.

 
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Thank you for this nice write up, @whoopeeyoo!

I used to be like you, my dramas were rom-coms and rom-coms only but later I realized there is a lot I'm missing when having my options so restricted, my first venture to a not rom-com was Misaeng, it made me cry in the first episode and I fell in love with it, I saw myself in Jang Geu-rae as I was an intern at that time too, it was just so relatable!

The old me would have never watched Lingerie Girls' Generation or Buam-dong Revenge Club or started Just Between Lovers, unknown actors, female centric and melo-dramas were never my cup of tea, I'm glad I changed that, now I get to enjoy every flavor!

LOL @dark circle, we'll just have to live with panda-eyes forever!

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@azzo

Wow starting with Misaeng...that's setting a high bar for the others to live up to.

I am secretly jealous of many who suddenly expand their drama categories. All of a sudden you gain a whole new back catalog of dramas.

Re-watching is great...but its never the same as that first time.

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Gaining a whole new backlog of dramas to watch is a double-edged sword but one I'm willing to wield. Hee. I guess the only consolation for you is that at least you were present when the hype was the greatest, able to discuss real time with other people? I think that experience is also something that cannot be replicated.

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I've been meaning to watch Misaeng for the longest time but all these other dramas (and let's be real, oppas) keep on vying for the priority. I really do hope I get to watch it in the coming year.

*fist bump of solidarity* Lingerie Girls' Generation and Buam-dong Revenge Club! I'm planning to start Just Between Lovers this holiday break and I can't even recognize myself. I'm willingly going to watch a melo?? Haha! But like you, I'm really glad that I changed my rigid kdrama watching routine because I discovered and found that I actually enjoy all these flavors. I guess, deep in my core, I just love stories.

As for the panda eyes, well, I guess that's why I'm also into skincare, right? Hahaha!

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Yes, do watch it! The best thing about Misaeng is that it never gets old, you will still find the story relatable whether you watch it today or after a year, it has some great life lessons and some of the best motivational quotes!

And I know I've been saying this to almost every Just Between Lovers' post, but this show is just so beautiful, I love the quiet feel of it and how natural and real the two leads feel, the melancholy doesn't override the feel that things will work out and these two will be happy, the male lead talks in such a gruff way but does the sweetest things and the female lead is new to me but I'm loving what she's bringing to her character, you find yourself rooting for them and loving them individually and when they're together!

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I had my eye on JBL because of Junho but the slump has come for me so I haven't even seen the first episode. But I'll try to binge it soon so I can at least join y'all in enjoying this show. I have fear of missing out on discussions of good dramas so I will will myself to get to it soon. Haha!

And Misaeng, this 2018! I SHALL!

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Oh my! I will start watching the revenge club tomorrow... I have enough everybody talking about how good it is.
Maybe I can marathon it on the 25th December and finish it before the year is over.

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Do it! Do it! :D

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I sincerely hope you enjoy it! And it's perfect for holiday watching because it's gonna give you giggles and warmth.

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Chief Kim as a turning point. 😍😍😍

Shameless promoting of Chief Kim, which may not be everyone's cup of wacky, but I really think Namgoong Min rubbed off on the rest of the cast. Junho is a revelation, and he got his first lead role now in Just Between Lovers (which y'all should check out --- says this beanie who never watches melos! Is this a melo though? It's so hopeful and lovely... *ahem* Enough of Junho 😁). Dong Ha has also impressed with strong performances and is moving up into second lead positions. Dimples is stealing everyone's hearts, period. Jung Hye Sung got second lead in Manhole (let's forget that one shall we) and is now lead in Doubtful Victory, though I doubt she is ready for a lead role.

Let's say my 2017 consisted of watching Chief Kim and cheering for its actors' next projects. I wasn't as lucky as you @whoopeeyoo because not every drama I sampled outside my comfort zone suited me. I was not into Suspicious Partner or Strongest Deliveryman in spite of loving the cast. I tried Circle (sci-fi) and freaked out so much about blue worms I couldn't continue. 😂 So congrats on trying new genres and sticking with them.

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I thought so too! That Namgoong Min rubbed off on everyone and I felt like Chief Kim was such a vehicle to stardom for a lot of the cast. After Chief Kim, most of the ensemble cast just got dramas left and right. I'm so glad they all had a great year (even though Manhole tanked). 2017 ended up being the year I followed each of Chief Kim's cast's dramas.

I'm so sad to hear that Suspicious Partner and Strongest Deliveryman weren't for you because I loved them. Eek. I do know I got completely lucky when I ventured to new territories. Maybe 2018 wouldn't be as kind. But at least now I got the courage and curiosity to try new things. Let's keep on going out of our comfort zones! (But also, you know, we can be in our comfort zones together too if something doesn't pan out great. Haha!)

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me too me too! I usually stick to rom-coms + dramas where I like the lead actor/actress. Once in a while i venture to other genres if and only if they come (highly) recommended at Dramabeans. Last year I really enjoyed Signal (which is not my usual genre) and this year I can't believe I marathoned Women of Dignity. I still haven't watched a lot of dramas but i think i might give some a try. I just dunno where to start!

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Well, you could start with the dramas I recommended *wink wink* Hahaha!

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Thank you for such a lovely, insightful article! May it inspire more of us beanies to stretch outside of our comfort zone!

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And may those who stretch outside of theirs be as blessed as me with their dramas of choice!

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The power of the Beanie hype is amazing and wonderful :D

There have been so many dramas that I went out of my way to watch that I initially totally dismissed for various reasons.

I am also sad that The Revenge Club promotions were so different than what it was actually since I really don't like revenge dramas
and I can't really classify this as one

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Right? It's a comedy-drama! Those posters were so deceiving and I blame the marketing for that!

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So true! It was the beanie chatter early on about Cho Seung Woo and his microexpressions that made me search out and watch Forest of Secrets. I never would have gone there otherwise.

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Jo Seung-woo in FoS was a masterclass in acting. The sheer talent restraint entails! Then you see BTS clips where he's so smiley and THE MIND IS BOGGLED

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Oh this makes me want to go outside of my bubble. Do you know, the fanwall has been EXCELLENT for going outside of your bubble. I know I've watched (and stuck with) more than a few dramas I never would have considered if the Beanies hadn't gone gaga over them. Great post, @whoopeeyoo

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I completely agree with you! The fanwall is a gift or maybe not because my eyebags beg to differ. Hahaha! I can't count how many times fan posts ended up convincing me to watch something this year. "Oh, that gif is cute!" "Oooohhh, who is this hottie/cutie?" Hahaha!

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yeaaayy for lingerie girls generation, too bad this drama is underrated, the drama is warm, I'm not expected too high with the lead, but surprisingly bona can pull her character well, not mention the male lead is cute with his glasses.

and buamdong, everybody talk about this drama, maybe I should give chance to watch this drama on holiday.

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Hope you got around to watching Buam-dong Revenge Club! And if not, there's still always 2018, which is just a few days away lol. I agree! I had zero expectations for Lingerie Girls' Generation so I was so surprised by everyone's performances. Bae Dong-moon is BAE!!

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I’m still struggling with accepting melodramas and sci-fi, tried many times but ended up checking myself out, no matter how good the reviews were.

Perhaps new year will bring me the ephipany to watch more genres.

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I've come to realise that sci-fi and fantasy are not everyone's cup of tea. If you give it them a try and find them enjoyable that will be great, but I don't think you need to 'force' yourself to like them. 😃

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You’re right. I’ve come terms with sci fi - it’s totally not my genre. I have watched them, dropped some, and even those that I watched till the end didn’t grip me like other genre. Fantasy is either hits or misses for me. I found some to be really enjoyable (MGIAG for example) but not so much of the others. I used to watch sageuk a lot, but this year surprisingly I didn’t watch any (I’m blaming the Slump). or perhaps I still feel guilty that I haven’t manage to start Six Flying Dragon yet LOL.

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What I like about fantasy kdramas are that they aren't too heavy on the fantasy/lore (as compared to fantasy movies etc). They usually have a contemporary setting too. I struggle with fantasy so I actually like magical realism more or fusion fantasy? Wherein it's still set in the modern/contemporary world, only some things are fantastical? Haha!

I do hope to watch more sci-fi kdramas soon. I love them in my American shows but I haven't tried them with kdramas. And there are only a couple of sci-fi offerings so it's not gonna be daunting. Hopefully. Hee.

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I love that kim sun ho is continuously called dimples in dramabeans hahaha. I know if someone is talking about dimples its referring to kim sun ho 😂😂😂.

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So true! The way we know that 'eye-smiles' refers to Lee Won Geun.

I guess Kim Sun Ho bears the 'Dimples' reference although Lee Sang Yoon was one of the earlier Mr Dimples.

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Another mr dimples is lee seo jin 😂
But i never called either of them mr dimples lol. But when i see kim sun ho, i can't help but squeee and call out 'dimples' hahaha

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That's true! I forgot about Lee Seo Jin. Loved him in Marriage Contract. He was grumpy at first and I was just waiting for him to thaw out and show those dimples.

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*adds Marriage Contract to my to-watch list*

I think it's because Kim Sun-ho's character in SD was not exactly likable at first (although you'd find him pitiable being abused by his father and whatnot) but YOU JUST LIKE HIM because DIMPLES. Hahaha! So he's definitely Dimples 'round this block because it really does give him a certain likability and charisma, in addition to the nuance he can bring to a character. #fan HAHAHA

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Thanks @whoopeeyoo,

It's good that you've diversified your viewing. I think I was a bit like you before, but more and more, I've just plunged in, sometimes a little blind because I don't really care for previews or drama news, or who wrote, directed or acted.... and took my chances. I'm glad to say that I've watched more than I've dropped, and caught sight of some very good un-hyped shows as a result.

And yes to Buam-dong Revenge Club. It was really one of the most surprising (to me) shows because I liked everything about it. It was one of the most satisfying watches ever. Short and to the point, with clear plot, sufficient angst and conflict without being over-melo and no plotholes. Lovely engaging characters that were rounded and who were even given likely futures we could applaud. Sweet character interactions and so much warmth to brighten my day. I even enjoyed the hapless villains and their shenanigans and failures.

That's one show I probably would not have watched even a couple of years ago, but what a gem I'd have missed!!!

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Buam-dong Revenge Club is my biggest surprise this year too. Chief Kim had Namgoong Min so I think I would inevitably watch it one point in the future (if I didn't this year) but BRC I never EVER would have sampled. And I'm just so glad I did and that I finally diversified in the kdramas I watch because what a gem. Such a gem. I agree with all the praises you heaped on it that I went nodding while reading your comment. Hope 2018 brings us more surprises and gems!

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